NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Soupman, Inc. (OTCBB: SOUP) announced today that The Original Soupman, the long-adored and best-tasting soup brand in the world which inspired the famous soup episode on Seinfeld, has selected a leading, full-service grocery broker and retail specialist, Carlin O’Brien Batson, to coordinate sales of its new shelf-stable carton packaged soups in the Midwest region of the U.S.
Based in Kentwood, Michigan, Carlin O’Brien Batson provides comprehensive brokerage services to brands seeking targeted retail availability, expanded coverage, turnkey solutions and passion all the way through the point of purchase. Carlin O’Brien Batson has a solid footprint in the grocer industry that is expected to bring great value to The Original Soupman, as the Company’s new shelf-stable carton packaged soups launch within fine grocers. The Original Soupman soups will be offered in the main soup aisle, adjacent to Campbell’s® (NYSE:CPB) and Progresso® (NYSE:GIS) soup products, where over $6 billion in annual soup purchases occur.
“The Carlin O’Brien Batson team is thrilled to partner with Shaq, and the world class team at The Original Soupman,” said Michael Stone, Vice President of Grocery for Carlin O’Brien Batson. “Soup Man’s innovative and delicious recipes are the stuff of legend and we are beyond excited to bring the new shelf-stable carton soups directly to the soup aisle for consumer purchase.”
Mr. Stone will play a key role as the account executive, representing The Original Soup Man’s shelf-stable cartons for supermarkets including Meijer’s, Spartan Stores, and Marsh Supermarkets.
“Through this relationship, Carlin O’Brien Boston will target retail giants in the heavily populated Midwest region, providing total customer coverage and full sales support systems, designed to add value to The Original Soup Man’s products at every point of purchase,” said Arnold Casale, CEO, The Original Soupman. “We believe the company’s expertise in the grocer industry will successfully drive consumer availability of the new shelf-stable carton packaged soup products within key grocer retail stores.”
The Original Soupman shelf-stable soups will feature the same obsessive perfectionism and eclectic varieties for which the brand is famous, starting with: Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Lentil and Tomato Bisque. The product will be available in fine supermarkets across the US by September. The suggested retail price is $3.79 to $3.99 for a two serving 17.3 oz eco-friendly carton.
About Soupman, Inc.:
In 1984, The Original Soupman opened its doors at 55th Street & 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The tiny storefront quickly became a worldwide destination. Rated #1 by Saga and praised by the New York Times as "Art, not Soup", it set the standard for innovation and excellence long before the famous Seinfeld episode made it a cultural icon. The Company's franchise operations include highly visible locations in the Mohegan Sun Casinos and more. The Company's branded soup is also being offered by Tim Horton's, Earl of Sandwich and other leading Sirs. Original Soupman products are now available in innovative shelf-stable cartons for sale in the soup aisle nationally of major supermarket chains by September 2012. The Company also distributes its products through the food service channel, including school lunch programs. Shaquille O'Neal serves as an advisor to, and equity partner in the Company, as does Mr. October, Reggie Jackson and Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated and Tony Award® winning actor Jason Alexander. SOUPMAN INC, parent company of The Original Soupman www.originalsoupman.com, is a fully reporting public company trading on the OTC Bulletin Board® (OTCBB) under the ticker symbol SOUP. For additional information on Soupman, Inc. please visit: www.soupmaninc.com. Follow us on Twitter @OriginalSoupMan and "Like" us on Facebook.
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections made by management. The Company intends for the forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," or variations of such words are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the contribution of Carlin O’Brien Batson and the availability of the Company’s new shelf-stable product in supermarket chains. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by law. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements such as our ability to secure national distribution of our new shelf-stable product in supermarket chains and the risk factors discussed in the Business and Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings are available at www.sec.gov and at www.soupmaninc.com.
All trademarks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.